A Modern Guide to San Francisco’s Japantown

A Modern Guide to San Francisco’s Japantown

One of just three official Japantowns in the U.S., San Francisco’s Japantown is a cultural hub brimming with original restaurants, quirky shops, and unique community. Here’s where to hang when you’re in the ‘hood.

Sophie’s CrepesThis sweet shop offers a genius mix of cone and crepes all filled with exotic and traditional ice cream flavors, and topped with everything the sauce cabinet has to offer. It’s pure indulgence, worth living on kale for the next two weeks. // 1581 Webster St., 415.929.7732

Yusukochi’s Sweet Shop Hidden inside the Super Mira Market, Yusukochi’s Sweet Shop has been making one of San Francisco’s most beloved desserts, the coffee crunch cake, for more than 40 years. The fluffy dream is filled with buttery cream and covered in crunchy candy. To get a taste, go early before they sell out, usually by 11:30 am. // 1790 Sutter St., 415.931.8165

Udon Mugizo Opened in 2014, Udon Mugizo is one of the few places that makes its noodles fresh in-house. Choose from a variety on udon, ramen and soba bowls to warm you up on foggy SF day. // 1581 Webster St., 415.931.3118

Mums Home of Shabu ShabuOften a bit crowded, Mums serves some of the tastiest shabu shabu, which is best enjoyed with a group of friends over sake bombs. If you stumble upon Japantown early in the morning, Mums also serves daily breakfast. // 1800 Sutter St., mumssf.com

Ramen UndergroundSF folks are vehemently competitive when it comes to arguing over the best locak ramen spots. In hot pursuit of the title is Ramen Underground, the hipper antidote to its more traditional neighbors in the mall. Go for tasty broths and perfectly cooked pork belly. // 22 Peace Plaza, ramenunderground.com

STAY

(Photo courtesy of Hotel Tomo)

Hotel TomoHip and modern, with murals painted by local Japanese artists and anime details, Hotel Tomo is a funky base camp to explore, not only Japantown, but many other SF neighborhoods. //1800 Sutter St., hoteltomo.com

Hotel KabukiWith traditional Japanese accents, a koi pond and a Zen garden, Hotel Kabuki is a boutique hotel to enjoy with all senses. The in-room soaking tubs and spa services let you unwind from oh-so exhausting exploring. // 1625 Post St., 415.922.3200

SHOP

Kinokuniya BookstoreEnter to a world full of Japanese books, comics, stationery, toys and lots of gifts. Non-Japanese speaker won’t be able to read a single word, but Kinokuniya’s shelves are full of magical illustrations worth the flip time. // 1581 Webster St., 415.567.7625

Daiso JapanThe Japanese counterpart to the dollar store. Here you can find almost everything and mostly for only $1.50. We can spend hours browsing the aisles. // 22 Peace Plaza, 415.359.9397

Aloha WarehouseA small slice of Hawaii in the middle of Japantown, Aloha Warehouse is the place to find Hawaiian sweets, hula supplies, apparel, and a huge selection on ukuleles. You know you need one. // 1731 Buchanan St., 415-346-7553

Ichiban KanFor all your zany home supply needs, fill up at this smaller and more manageable dollar store. Washing dishes is so much more fun with Hello Kitty sponges, right? // 22 Peace Plaza, 415.409.0472

Kabuki Sundance CinemaThis is a movie theater with class, where you can make reserve your seats and enjoy grown-up drinks while watching the newest blockbusters or independent films. // 1881 Post St,sundancecinemas.com

Kabuki Springs & SpaA wellness oasis situated in the heart of the bustling city, Kabuki Springs offers a menu of spa treatments such as massages and facials, but really this is a bathhouse beloved for its signature Japanese bathing rituals, hot tubs, and steam rooms. // 1750 Geary Blvd., kabukisprings.com

Peace PlazaHome to the five-story Peace Pagoda, which was built in the 1960s and given to SF by sister city Osaka, Japan, Peace Plaza is the center of Japantown and an iconic spot to stop and rest. // 1610 Geary Blvd., sfjapantown.org

Japantown MallsIt may seem odd, but in Japantown, a lot goes down inside the malls. Kitschy stores, coffee shops, jewelry chains, and restaurants are hidden within the Japan Center and Nihonmachi malls. // japancentersf.com